Welcome to a world where joy is baked into every bite and celebrations are adorned with sprinkles! Today, we’re diving into the delightful creation of **Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting** – an adorable, festive treat that promises to be the star of any gathering, especially a joyous occasion like a bridal shower. These charming little cookie cups are not just desserts; they are miniature declarations of happiness, perfectly portioned and bursting with classic flavor and a pop of color.
Celebrating Community and Sweet Beginnings
The food blogging community is a truly special place, often described as one of the most supportive and generous corners of the internet. Beyond the shared love for delicious recipes and culinary adventures, deep friendships often blossom. We celebrate each other’s milestones, offer encouragement during challenging times, and share in the joy of personal triumphs, whether it’s a new baby joining the family or a cherished friend embarking on a beautiful new journey.
Today is one such occasion! A group of us, fellow food bloggers and friends, have come together to throw a virtual bridal shower for one of our dearest, **Sally from Sally’s Baking Addiction**. As many of you know, Sally has an undeniable love for treats adorned with sprinkles, affectionately known as funfetti. It’s a signature touch that adds a vibrant, whimsical charm to her already incredible baking. To honor Sally and her upcoming wedding, we’ve all decided to create funfetti-inspired delights that would be absolutely perfect to serve at a celebratory bridal shower. These Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups are my contribution to this heartwarming virtual party, designed to capture the essence of joy and new beginnings.
The Ultimate Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting
These Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Imagine a soft, chewy sugar cookie base, baked into a charming cup shape, and then generously piped with luscious, creamy vanilla frosting and, of course, a shower of colorful sprinkles. They are visually appealing, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly simple to make, making them an ideal choice for any party or a special treat for yourself. This recipe yields approximately 32 individual cookie cups, perfect for sharing!
Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting
Author: Anna
Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting – adorable little treats for cookie lovers! Perfect for celebrations, like a bridal shower! This recipe makes 32 cups.
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Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 468 kcal
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup funfetti (sprinkles)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 to 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon heavy whipping cream (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
To Make the Cookie Cups:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, usually about 2 minutes.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed for only about 5 seconds. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the funfetti sprinkles until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can cause the colors to bleed.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and for developing flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray.
- Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size), scoop the chilled cookie dough directly into each cup of your prepared mini muffin pan.
- Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still be soft. For me, 9 minutes was the perfect baking time to achieve a tender cookie cup.
- Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them retain their shape.
To Make the Vanilla Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it is creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. For the smoothest frosting, sift the powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve directly over the bowl.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. Add more whipping cream a teaspoon at a time if a thinner consistency is desired, or more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
- Once the cookie cups are completely cooled, transfer the vanilla frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorative tip. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cookie cup. Garnish with extra funfetti sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Nutrition
Calories: 468 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 43mg | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 1020IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment with rating below!
Tips for Perfect Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups
Achieving bakery-quality cookie cups at home is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg for the cookie dough, and butter for the frosting, are at true room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, resulting in a smooth, evenly mixed dough and a light, fluffy frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. For the funfetti, fold them in gently at the very end to prevent their colors from bleeding into the dough.
- Chill Your Dough: This step is non-negotiable for sugar cookies, especially when making cups. Chilling allows the butter to re-solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also deepens the flavor. Ideally, chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Baking Time is Key: Sugar cookie cups can go from perfectly soft to hard and dry very quickly. Watch them closely. They are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool in the hot muffin pan.
- Cooling Process: Let the cookie cups cool in the muffin pan for 5 minutes before attempting to remove them. This period allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking.
- Sift Powdered Sugar for Frosting: For the smoothest, lump-free vanilla frosting, always sift your powdered sugar. This simple step makes a huge difference in texture.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: The amount of heavy cream in the frosting recipe is a guideline. Depending on the humidity and how much powdered sugar you use, you might need a little more or less. Add it gradually, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired piping consistency.
- Piping Perfection: If you’re new to piping, don’t worry! Practice on a piece of parchment paper first. Start with a simple swirl. The beauty of these cookie cups is that even a rustic dollop of frosting looks charming.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
While these Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups are perfect as is, there’s always room for a little creative flair:
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Change the color of your funfetti to match any holiday or theme! Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or team colors for a sports party.
- Flavorful Frostings: Experiment with different frosting flavors. Lemon zest in the vanilla frosting, almond extract for an almond buttercream, or even a light chocolate ganache would be delicious. Cream cheese frosting would also pair beautifully with the sugar cookie base.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, gently fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles into the cookie dough.
- Fruit Toppings: After frosting, crown each cookie cup with a fresh raspberry, a small strawberry slice, or a few blueberries for a burst of fresh fruit goodness.
- Edible Decorations: Beyond sprinkles, consider tiny edible pearls, candied flowers, or a dusting of colored sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serving Suggestions: Arrange these delightful cookie cups on a tiered stand for a stunning display at a bridal shower, birthday party, or any festive gathering. They are also wonderful served with coffee or tea, or as a sweet ending to a meal.
More Sweet Treats from Our Friends!
The beauty of the food blogging community truly shines during these collaborative celebrations. To further honor Sally and her wonderful journey, my friends have also whipped up some incredible funfetti and celebration-worthy treats. Be sure to check out these fabulous posts from my talented friends to see what else we are serving today during this virtual bridal shower!
- Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake from Lauren’s Latest
- Funfetti Cookie Dough Balls from Averie Cooks
- Cake Batter Funfetti Cookies from Diethood
- Cake Batter Popcorn from I Heart Naptime
- Confetti Cookie Milkshake from Bake Your Day
- Cake Batter Ice Cream Balls from Oh, Sweet Basil
- Frosted Sugar Cookies from Roxana’s Home Baking
- Peanut Butter Filled Doughnuts from Crazy For Crust
- Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups from Crunchy Creamy Sweet (that’s this very recipe!)
- Shirley Temple from Damn Delicious
- Funfetti Pudding Mix Cookies from Cooking Classy
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes from The Messy Baker
- Chocolate Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars from Handle the Heat
- Vanilla Banana Muffins from Love From the Oven
- Homemade Funfetti Yellow Birthday Cake from Ambitious Kitchen
- Frosting Filled Deep Dish Cake Batter Cookies from The Domestic Rebel
Sally, from all of us, we are so incredibly happy for you! We wish you a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and sprinkles on this exciting new path you’re embarking on. May your days be as sweet and vibrant as a funfetti cookie cup!
Make Your Own Memorable Moments
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, a birthday, a promotion, or simply the joy of a Tuesday, these Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups are the perfect confection to mark the occasion. They combine the comforting taste of a classic sugar cookie with the celebratory flair of sprinkles and a generous swirl of vanilla frosting, creating a treat that is both nostalgic and exciting.
Baking is often a labor of love, a way to express affection and bring people together. These cookie cups, born from a spirit of friendship and celebration, are a testament to that. So gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. Share these delightful Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cups with your loved ones, and watch as they bring smiles and sweetness to every moment. Happy baking!